Abstract: The present invention provides a cochlear stimulation system and method for capturing and translating FTS in incoming sounds and delivering this information spatially to the cochlea. An embodiment of the system may comprise an FTS estimator/analyzer and a current navigator. An embodiment of the method of the invention can comprise: analyzing the incoming sounds within a time frequency band, extracting the slowly varying frequency components and estimating the FTS to obtain a more precise dominant FTS component within a frequency band. After adding the fine structure to the carrier to identify a precise dominant FTS component in each frequency band (or stimulation channel), a stimulation current is steered to the precise spatial location on the cochlea that corresponds to the dominant FTS component, the steering accomplished by delivering non-simultaneous stimuli through at least two electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes a housing, an electronic subassembly, conductive vias, and an electrode arrangement. The housing defines an interior and an exterior with the electronic subassembly disposed in the interior of the housing. The conductive vias extend from the interior to the exterior of the housing. The electrode arrangement is disposed on the housing and includes a film substrate with electrodes disposed on the film substrate and coupled to the electronic subassembly through the plurality of vias.

Abstract: A method for selecting Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) stimulation parameter sets guides a clinician towards an effective set of stimulation parameters. The clinician first evaluates the effectiveness of a small number of trial stimulation parameter sets from a Measurement Table. Based on the patient's assessment, the trial stimulation sets are ranked. Then the clinician selects a starting or benchmark row in a Steering Table corresponding to the highest ranked trial stimulation parameter set. The clinician moves either up or down from the starting row, testing consecutive parameter sets. When a local optimum is found, the clinician returns to the benchmark row, and tests in the opposite direction for another local optimum. This process of searching for optimum parameter sets is repeated for a new starting row in the Steering Table that is selected based on the next ranked trial set from the Measurement Table.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator can include a housing having a first end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the housing and coupled to the electronic subassembly; and a dissecting tip disposed at the first end of the housing. Another implantable microstimulator includes a housing having a first end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the housing and coupled to the electronic subassembly; and a extraction aid disposed at the first end of the housing and configured and arranged for attachment of an extraction line.

Abstract: A quick-connect system for mechanically and electrically connecting two components therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical quick-connect is comprised of: a receptacle in the first component; a barrel protruding from the second component; and a lock for locking the barrel inside the receptacle. Electrical connection, such as a coaxial connection, can also be obtained between the barrel and receptacle, while in the locked position by using a pin assembly axially located in the barrel. The lock may comprise a tooth and slot configuration, wherein the tooth is in compressive contact with a spring which compression continuously exerts force on the tooth and causes the end of the tooth to engage to the cam slot on the barrel, thereby locking the barrel inside the receptacle. The barrel may be disengaged with a turn that is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: An implantable neural stimulation system, such as a cochlear implant system, utilizes a Distributed Compression Amplitude Mapping (DCAM) system to distribute signal compression between a pre-bandpass linear mapping function, and a post-bandpass compressive mapping function. The pre-bandpass linear mapping function is implemented, in one embodiment, as a traditional fast audio compressor to prevent distortion that might result from a non-linear mapping. The post-bandpass compressive mapping function is implemented, in one embodiment, as a logarithmic transform to reflect natural hearing. As a result of the DCAM processing, the differences in amplitudes of components of the acoustic spectrum are maintained. By maintaining these differences, spectral smearing between channels is reduced and speech clues are preserved.

Abstract: Braze and electrode wire assemblies, e.g., used with an implantable microstimulator, include a wire welded in the through-hole of an electrode, which electrode is brazed to a ceramic case that is brazed to a metal ring that is welded to a metal can. The braze joints are step or similar joints that self-center the case, provide lateral support during braze assembly, and provide increased surface area that prevents braze material from exuding from the joints. The end of the ceramic case that is brazed to the metal ring need not be specially machined. The shell has a reference electrode on one end and an active electrode on the other, and is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.

Abstract: A device for stimulating body tissue includes a lead body and at least one stimulating electrode disposed on the lead body. The lead body is configured and arranged to be substantially rigid outside the patient's body and during insertion into the patient's body and then becomes non-rigid upon exposure within the patient's body;.

Abstract: Improved skipping strategies for cochlear or other multi-channel neural stimulation implants selects N out of M channels for stimulation during a given stimulation frame. A microphone transduces acoustic energy into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed by a family of bandpass filters, or the equivalent, to produce a number of frequency channels. In a first embodiment, a probability based channel selection strategy computes a probably for each of the M channels based on the strength of each channel. N channels are probabilistically selected for stimulation based on their individual probability. The result is a randomized “stochastic” stimulus presentation to the patient. Such randomized stimulation reduces under representation of weaker channels for steady state input conditions such as vowels. In second, third and fourth embodiments, a variable threshold is adjusted to obtain the selection of N channels per frame.

Abstract: A system and method for patient control of the stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, or other neurostimulation system, provides an increased Therapeutic Ratio (TR). Measurements of the just-perceptible stimulation level and the maximum-comfortable stimulation level are made for at least two values of pulse duration and two values of pulse amplitude. A Therapeutic Ratio is determined for stimulation level control strategies based on fixed pulse duration and variable pulse amplitude, and alternatively for fixed pulse amplitude and variable pulse duration. The control strategy providing the greatest therapeutic ratio is then selected for use by the patient. In an alternative embodiment, the pulse durations at the just-perceptible and maximum-comfortable stimulation levels are measured, and the pulse amplitudes at the just-perceptible and maximum-comfortable stimulation levels are determined using a curve-fitting process.

Abstract: The invention is a switched-matrix output for a multi-channel stimulator. The switch-matrix output system uses groups of switches connectively placed between N number of digital-to-analog convertors (DACs) and M electrode contacts to permit fewer, space-consuming DACs to be used in an implantable stimulator, thereby saving internal stimulator space. One embodiment of the switched matrix output uses switches to activate only one active-electrode subset of M electrode contacts at any one time, so that the total number of DACs contained in the stimulator can be less than the M total number of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A hearing aid system including an implant (60) configured for insertion into a recess (40) formed under the skin of the retro-auricular space (50), which implant does not occlude the ear canal (30). The implant includes electronic circuitry (72), a transducer (65, e.g., speaker), antenna (64), and power source (66). The hearing aid also includes an external module (70), which module includes a microphone (163), electronics (172), antenna (164), and power source (166). A telemetry link (76) between the external module antenna and the implant antenna allows transmissions between the microphone module and the implant.

Abstract: Compact electronic modules, which may be used with implantable microstimulators and other medical and non-medical devices, and manufacture/assembly of such modules are described. Component and circuitry designs utilize unique redistribution techniques and attachment methods. A number of component designs and packaging configurations maximize the volume efficiency of electronic modules. Also included are improved processes and systems enabling the manufacture and assembly of such compact packages.

Abstract: A method and system for fitting a multichannel cochlear implant system to a patient increases the percentage of patients for which stapedial reflexes can be obtained, and increases the accuracy of predicting the “live speech” comfort levels of the patient's fitting programs from the stapedial reflex. Electrical stimuli are applied on multiple electrodes at “live speech” pulse rates. The neural excitation patterns elicited from such stimulation more closely resemble that which occurs when the system is subjected to normal speech patterns. By progressively setting threshold levels in bands, e.g., groups of electrodes, either overlapping or non-overlapping, as well as with a final check by globally adjusting the band obtained contour to the stapedial reflex, such values more closely resemble actual “live speech” program levels than those obtained with traditional methods.

Abstract: Communication between an implantable device(s), such as a neural stimulator, and an external remote device(s), e.g., a computer in a clinician's office, a computer in a patient's home, or a handheld patient remote control, is performed entirely via an RF link. In order to conserve power, the RF telemetry system of the implant is only activated periodically; with the period of activation being sufficiently short so as to allow a reasonably prompt response of the implant to a request for a communication session by the external device. In order to assure reliable communication, the RF information may be encoded, as appropriate, with error correction codes.

Abstract: A hand-held remote unit functions as both a remote status device and a control device for a cochlear implant system. When placed near the headpiece of a cochlear implant system, the remote unit monitors the forward telemetry signal transmitted between an external speech processor, e.g., a behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processor, and an implanted unit, thereby providing the remote unit with the ability to output status information regarding the system. The remote unit may also generate a back telemetry signal that when properly received by the speech processor causes a forward telemetry signal to be generated that controls the implant unit.

Abstract: A way of reducing channel interaction is provided in a multichannel neural implant that has the ability to stimulate multiple tissue or nerve sites simultaneously. Channel interaction is minimized through measuring or estimating what the channel interaction is or will likely be, and then using that measured or estimated channel interaction to adjust the intensity of the applied stimuli so that, with the channel interaction, the actual stimuli applied to the tissue or nerves is of a desired intensity level. In one embodiment, the measured or estimated channel interaction is collected or compiled and saved as a channel interaction matrix. The channel interaction matrix is created during a fitting procedure by stimulating one channel at a time while measuring the effects of the stimulation on the neighboring channels. The superposition principal is used, as needed, to determine all the terms of the channel interaction matrix.

Abstract: A method of programming a bionic ear cochlear implant provides access to the full functionality of the implant, while still providing a simple-to-administer, more reliable, and faster fitting experience for the patient and clinician. The method includes (a) conducting a pre-evaluation stage focused on sorting and identifying bad electrode contacts, reducing fitting time and improving patient performance; (b) conducting a programming stage wherein T and M levels are adjusted based on information derived during the pre-evaluation stage; and (c) conducting a post-evaluation stage wherein wired speech understanding tests are automatically run in order to provide an objective programming choice. The pre-evaluation stage automatically runs a set of objective tests, and then, based on the result of such tests, generates a template for the clinician to use during the programming stage. The objective tests, inter alia, identify and remove bad electrode contacts from the template.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In a preferred embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.